Commentary by Randy Davidson
We lost a good one yesterday. For me and many others Craig Miller was an icon of icons in Georgia’s film and entertainment industry, a true champion for creatives and a huge advocate of tourism and economic development in the state. Universally respected and endlessly compassionate.
Even in recent weeks, Craig was out there doing what he’s always done, showing up. Everywhere I turned, Craig was there. I saw him at our Columbus Signature 100 event, then the next day in Savannah at the Governor’s Tourism Conference where he had so many friends. Last week, he was on a panel for Discover Dekalb where he was working on several film projects getting them ready for the festival circuit.
Craig didn’t post about every stop, but everywhere he went, he shared encouragement and positivity for the industry he loved.
If it was not for Craig, Georgia Entertainment would not exist. In 2016, I met Craig for the first time. At the time, I owned a media company called GeorgiaCEO.com and he was an avid reader of our Atlanta business publication.
He invited me to his office and told me that nobody was covering the film industry consistently. I recall him saying ‘It’s going to be huge and deserves an active, dedicated publication.’ A few months later we launched Georgia Film News which eventually evolved into Georgia Entertainment. Over the years he called me his son and I called him my father in this industry.
I’m positive others have stories that are similarly impactful. Rest in peace, my dear friend. Thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones.
For those interested, our archive has so many great stories and videos with Craig advocating for the industry he loved. Take a look.
His family posted this tribute on Facebook.
Pictured above: Craig Miller on a panel at the Governor’s Tourism Conference on September 25. He, Walker Dalton, Lee Thomas and Craig Dominey talked about how communities can embrace film and entertainment productions for immediate economic growth and the long tail benefits of tourism after the production ends. Always advocating!
Memorial services have been made for this weekend for family and close friends. There are a couple opportunities to honor his life hosted by GPP and PC&E. We will keep this page updated for other ways you can show support for his family.
Thursday, October 16
GPP Mixer / Craig Remembrance
7:00–9:00 PM
Hotel Indigo Vinings
2857 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Saturday, October 18
PC&E Craig Celebration
1:00–4:00 PM
2235 DeFoor Hills Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318
We also wanted to share a few statements that have come through in the past few days. One from Brennen Dicker of GSU, a statement from Terry Rogers and comments from the Georgia Film Office.
From Brennen Dicker:
We lost a good friend and colleague this morning — Craig Miller — who passed away unexpectedly. Craig was a respected filmmaker and the founder of Craig Miller Productions, producing award-winning presentations for an extensive list of Fortune 500 clients for over 30 years. His long-term relationships with companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, AGCO, UPS, the U.S. Army, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Georgia Tourism are a testament to his creative vision and technical excellence.
A true industry leader, Craig was a member of the Producers Guild of America, served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Chamber, and was active with both the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the National Agri-Marketing Association. He also served for eight years as Co-President of the Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), where his leadership helped establish and protect Georgia’s Film Incentive — a legacy that continues to benefit our industry today.
Craig was a graduate of the University of Georgia and is survived by his wife, Carolyn, their six children, and five grandchildren.
Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Craig was a consummate professional and a genuinely kind person and friend to many. He spent countless hours at the Capitol advocating for our industry and was always willing to lend his time and expertise to others. He will be deeply missed. I will share more information as soon as I hear details about funeral or memorial services.
Brennen S. Dicker, Executive Director, Creative Media Industries Institute, Georgia State University
From Terry Rogers:
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Craig Miller. He was a valuable member of the Governor’s Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Commission, a legend in the film industry, but most importantly a wonderful human being who brought joy to everyone he met. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and he will be greatly missed.
Terry Rogers, Chair of the Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Commission
From the Georgia Film Office:
Georgia’s film and tourism communities are mourning the loss of one of their greatest champions with the passing of Craig Miller, filmmaker and founder of Craig Miller Productions. Craig worked as a tireless advocate for the film industry for more than 30 years, supporting the creation of Georgia’s film tax credit and elevating the state’s tourism assets through his production company.
As someone who always showed up, his influence was felt at every film and tourism-related event, and he served on numerous boards and industry organizations where his perspective and positivity were equally valued. He was a great friend, and will be remembered for his infectious laugh and effervescent spirit, and is deeply respected for his innumerable contributions to the State of Georgia. Craig also served as president of the Georgia Production Partnership and as a member of the Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Commission.
